New to the forum and I noticed a problem with my 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited this morning.

It has around 38,000 miles on it.

Coolant level was a bit low, so I filled it yesterday.

What should I check first?

ncb

11-29-2012 10:03 AM

Leaking heater core.

projectman

11-29-2012 10:16 AM

Is this a DIY or a take it in for repair job?

Joevacs

11-29-2012 10:28 AM

or a head gasket. Look at you oil, I hope you don't see milky oil.

projectman

11-29-2012 10:47 AM

Changing oil later today, so we'll see

projectman

11-29-2012 11:04 AM

Do I need to stop driving the vehicle?

GPV

11-29-2012 11:08 AM

You will have to replace your heater core more than likely. It might be a leak at a connection or something but that is a bit optimistic honestly.

projectman

11-29-2012 11:10 AM

Is heater core replacement difficult on this model?

GPV

11-29-2012 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by projectman
(Post 14526315)

Is heater core replacement difficult on this model?

I don't have any experience with the JK. I suspect that it is in the passenger cabin behind the glove compartment. If you are at all handy it should be a weekend job to change out.

projectman

11-29-2012 12:49 PM

Carpet is wet under the passenger side floor mat...

JeepCares

11-29-2012 01:34 PM

2 Attachment(s)

HEATER CORE REMOVAL(from the 2007 JK Service Manual):
WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to follow these instructions may result in accidental airbag deployment and possible serious or fatal injury.

See pic 1
1. Remove the HVAC housing assembly and place it on a workbench.
2. Remove the floor distribution duct from the passenger side of the air distribution housing.
NOTE: If the foam seal for the flange is deformed or damaged, it must be replaced.
3. Remove the foam seal (1) from the flange (4) located on the front of the HVAC housing (2).
4. Remove the screw (3) that secures the flange to the HVAC housing and remove the flange.

See pic 2
5. Remove the screw (1) that secures the bracket (2) retaining the heater core tubes (3) to the passenger side of the air distribution housing (5) and remove the bracket.
6. Carefully pull the heater core (4) out of the side of the air distribution housing.

projectman

11-29-2012 01:35 PM

Changed oil and it looks normal. No milk.

projectman

11-29-2012 03:09 PM

Looks like I would have to remove the entire interior dash panel to get the heat core. That's crazy amounts of work for a part replacement. Ughhhh

Godholio

11-29-2012 03:19 PM

If you're smelling it through the vents and it's getting into the carpet, definitely a bad core/connections. Without those symptoms I would've been concerned about a head gasket.

projectman

11-29-2012 03:47 PM

What should I expect to pay to have this repaired by a local mechanic if it is bad core/connections? Found the replacement heat core for about $100, but the labor looks like it would take me weeks.